Illuminated computer input device

ABSTRACT

An input device, such as a mouse, for a computer is provided which enables a user to quickly and accurately position the input device during poor lighting conditions and determine whether the computer is ON. The input device according to the present invention is also arranged to illuminate the area proximate the input device. The input device includes a housing and an illumination device that is supported by the housing. Illumination from the illumination device is visible when the input device is placed on a supporting surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an illuminated computer input device.More specifically, the present invention relates to a computer inputdevice including an illumination source for illuminating the proximatearea and for indicating whether the computer is ON or OFF.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern computer systems are designed to receive input from a number ofinput devices including mice and trackballs. Both the mouse and thetrackball control the cursor on a computer screen, and include keys forperforming certain computer operations. Frequently, a mouse includes aball mounted to the bottom of a housing. When the mouse is moved over asupporting surface, the ball movement is translated into distance anddirection information, which is supplied to the computer. The cursor onthe computer screen is moved in a direction and by an amountcorresponding to the movement of the ball. The mouse may also includebuttons or keys, which control particular operations on the computer. Inanother arrangement for the mouse, the mechanical ball tracking systemis replaced with an optical tracking system to measure movement of themouse with respect to the supporting surface.

A trackball device is also a common peripheral for computers andworkstations. In a trackball device, the tracking ball is rotatablymounted to a part of the housing that is exposed when it is resting on asupporting surface. To operate the trackball device, the housing remainsstationary on a supporting surface and the ball is moved relative to thehousing by a user. Once again, the movement of the ball is translated tocorresponding movement of the cursor on the computer screen. Thetrackball device typically includes buttons or keys, which controlparticular operations on the computer.

The conventional mouse may be difficult to efficiently use in conditionsof low lighting or no lighting, since there is nothing to render theexact position of the mouse visible in these conditions. Moreparticularly, in order to enhance the visibility of the informationdisplayed on a computer screen and to reduce glare from the screen,computers are often operated in either low or no lighting conditions.Operations requiring the use of the mouse are typically performedperiodically, therefore the user is frequently required to locate andorient the mouse to perform a particular operation. Although the mouseis usually arranged within reach of the user, it may be difficult toefficiently locate and orient the mouse with low or no lighting.

A similar problem exists with trackball devices. Users typically desireto locate the movable ball quickly without relying solely on tactilefeedback. Accordingly, poor lighting conditions can make quick andaccurate positioning of the user's hand on the trackball device orlocating the trackball device inefficient.

Difficulty in quick and accurate locating of a mouse and/or trackballdevice can be more significant when the input devices are being usedwith certain computer programs. For example, certain programs mayrequire the user to move his or her hand between a keyboard and thecomputer input device hundreds of times. Any efficiency gained in theserepetitive movements may increase the user's efficiency with the programand may make such repetitive movements more tolerable.

Additionally, some computer users will accidentally turn off his or hercomputer monitor without turning off the central processing unit (CPU).When this occurs, there may be no indication that the CPU is still ON.While some CPUs may include a small light indicating that the system isON, such a small light on the CPU may be difficult to see. As many CPUsare stored underneath desks, a small indicator light on a CPU may notserve as a casual, easily noticeable indicator providing information asto whether the system is ON or OFF.

Therefore, a mouse and a trackball device are needed which would enablea user to quickly and accurately locate and position the mouse andtrackball device during conditions where there is reduced lighting or nolighting. Additionally, a device to provide an improved indication as towhether the computer is ON or OFF is also needed. The present inventionwas developed to accomplish these and other objectives.

Many computer communication systems, such as email programs, arecurrently used. Many of these programs have notification features.Typically, with a notification feature of the program in an active mode,the receipt of an email may cause an icon or user interface to appear onthe display device or may cause the computer to produce an audiblesignal. However, such icons and visual indicators take up valuabledisplay area, and both the visual and audible indicators can sometimesbe annoying, even to the point where many users disable such features.Therefore, a notification system that is more desirable to certain userswas also needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides an improvedcomputer input device that eliminates the deficiencies of the prior art.

The present invention also provides an improved computer input devicethat enables a user to more efficiently and accurately locate the deviceduring reduced lighting conditions or no lighting conditions.

The present invention further provides an improved computer input devicethat enables a user to more efficiently and accurately position his orher hand on the device during reduced lighting conditions or no lightingconditions.

Further, the present invention provides an improved computer inputdevice that illuminates the area proximate the device.

The present invention also provides an improved computer input devicethat indicates whether the computer is ON or OFF.

According to one aspect, the invention provides a computer input devicehaving a housing that is configured to interface with a human hand, andan illumination device. The illumination device is coupled to thehousing and is visible when the housing is placed on a supportingsurface.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer inputdevice includes a housing configured to interface with a human hand, andan illumination device. The illumination device is coupled to thehousing and is visible when the housing is placed on a supportingsurface. The illumination device can be used to illuminate the areaproximate the computer input device.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a computerinput device is provided which includes a housing configured tointerface with a human hand, and an illumination device, which iscoupled to the housing and is visible when the housing is placed on asupporting surface, where the illumination device indicates whether thecomputer is ON or OFF.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will beapparent upon consideration of the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments thereof, presented in connection with thefollowing drawings in which like reference numerals identify likeelements throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a mouse type computer input devicehaving a bottom-mounted movable ball and an illumination device of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view a trackball type computer input devicehaving a top-mounted movable ball and an illumination device;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a computer input device coupled to acomputer;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the computer input device of FIG.3;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram depicting a computing environmentaccording to embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram depicting a relationship betweenvarious programs and the computer input device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term “mouse” is commonly used to refer to a computer input mousedesign having a tracking system such as a lower mounted ball or anoptical tracking system, for determining the relative movement betweenthe mouse and a surface upon which it rests. The term “trackball device”is commonly used to refer to a computer input device having a body and arotatable ball coupled to the body for direct manual engagement by auser when the trackball device is resting on a supporting surface. Theterm “track-mouse device” as defined and used herein means a computerinput device being a mouse or a trackball device.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the track-mouse device is generally designatedby reference numeral 10. The track-mouse device 10 transmits signalsgenerated by a movement sensor and used to control a geographicalpointer or a display of a computer system. The track-mouse device 10preferably includes a housing 12 having a substantially flat bottomsurface such that it is arranged to rest on a supporting surface 20. Thehousing 12 includes an upper body 13 shaped to interface with andpreferably support the human hand. A movable ball 16 can either berotatably mounted in the bottom of the housing 12, as shown in the mousedesign of FIG. 1, or mounted in the top of the housing 12, as shown inthe trackball design of FIG. 2. The rotatable ball 16 may be sensed byany conventional mechanical or optical sensing system or any otherdesired technique. For example, if a mechanical sensing system is used,the ball 16 may be supported on a pair of perpendicular rollers. If anoptical sensing system is used, a light source may be reflected off of anon-exposed portion of the ball 16, and an optical sensor may determinethe relative movement of the ball 16. As an alternative to a rotatableball 16, the mouse type track-mouse device 10 may include an opticaltracking device.

The track-mouse device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 3-4 employs a non-balloptical tracking device (not shown). The optical tracking system of thetrack-mouse device 10 of FIGS. 3-4, preferably includes a light sourcethat may be directed at the supporting surface 20 through the bottom ofthe housing 12, and an optical sensor inside of the housing 12 whichdetermines the relative movement between the supporting surface and thetrack-mouse device 10. Each of these tracking devices and methods asdescribed herein are well known.

According to the present invention, the track-mouse device 10 furtherincludes an illumination device 14, which is preferably separate fromthe tracking device and positioned inside of the housing 12. Theillumination device 14 is arranged so that light from the illuminationdevice 14 is visible when the track-mouse device 10 is placed on asupporting surface 20. In use, the track-mouse device 10 is connected toa computer 22 and provides signals to the computer 22 and can control acursor or other object on a monitor. The computer 22 may be any one ofmany different designs. As one example of the many possibleconfigurations and arrangements of devices that the track-mouse device10 may transmit signals to, the computer 22 preferably includes a visualdisplay device. The display, which may be a cathode ray tube-type,active matrix display, or other suitable device, can display a cursor orpointer, along with text and other graphic information. The computer mayalso include storage or memory, a processor, and a keyboard.

Rays of light from the illumination device 14 enable a user to easilylocate and orient the track-mouse device 10 during reduced lighting orno lighting conditions. More particularly, the illumination device 14enables a user to quickly and accurately position the track-mouse device10 in poor lighting conditions. The quick and accurate positioning ofthe track-mouse device 10 enables a user to efficiently perform computeroperations. The illumination device 14 further enables a user to easilydetermine whether the computer is ON or OFF regardless of the lightingconditions. According to the present invention, the illumination device14 of the track-mouse device 10 is arranged to illuminate the areaproximate the track-mouse device 10 to assist a user in viewingmaterials proximate the track-mouse device 10 during reduced lighting orno lighting conditions. Power to light the illumination device 14 may besupplied via the cable attachment to the computer 22 or from aself-contained battery source.

The illumination device 14 may be a light emitting diode (LED) or anyother suitable illuminating element which would render the track-mousedevice 10 visible in low lighting or no lighting conditions. Theillumination device 14 may be a white or clear illumination source or asource that emits colored light. Any color light that facilitatesvisibility in reduced or no lighting conditions would be appropriate forthe illumination device 14. For example, the light source may emit redlight to facilitate visibility in poor lighting conditions. Theillumination device 14 may also include multiple light sources emittingthe same or different color light. Illumination may be emittedcontinuously or intermittently. The LED may also be a variablemulticolored light source. The color and intensity as well as whetherthe light is to remain on consistently or intermittently may beprogrammable by any known method. For example, in one arrangement,signals from the computer based on a user's input can select preferencesof these parameters.

Referring to FIG. 3, the illumination device 14 is supported within thehousing 12. Light emitted from the illumination device 14 is visiblethrough the housing 12 when the track-mouse device 10 is placed on thesupporting surface 20. More particularly, the housing 12 includes awindow 18 through which light from the illumination device 14 isvisible. Window 18 is either transparent or semi-transparent to allowlight from the illumination device 14 to be visible. Window 18 may alsobe colored. For example, window 18 may be red. Additionally, window 18may be arranged at any suitable location of the housing 12, so long asit enables light from the illumination device to be visible when thetrack-mouse device 10 is placed on the supporting surface 20. Forexample, window 18 may be arranged around keys 21 on the track-mousedevice 10 and/or around the ball 16. Similarly, window 18 may beconfigured to form any of an infinite number of shapes. For example,window 18 may be configured to form the logo of a company or a company'sname. It is noted that while the track-mouse device 10 shown in FIGS.3-4 takes the form of a mouse, the same illumination systems andfeatures exist in preferred embodiments for trackball devices.

Window 18 may be provided by the upper body 13 of the housing 12, asshown in FIG. 3, or provided by a generally horizontal base member 15,as shown in FIG. 4. Base member 15 may also include an outer peripheralsurface 15 a that is visible when the track-mouse device 10 is placed onthe supporting surface 20. Window 18 may be arranged to extend from theouter peripheral surface 15 a, as shown in FIG. 4. The outer peripheralsurface 15 a may be transparent or semi-transparent to enable lightemitted by the illumination device 14 to radiate through the outerperipheral surface 15 a. The base member 15 and the outer peripheralsurface 15 a may also be colored. The light radiating from the outerperipheral surface 15 a may illuminate the area proximate thetrack-mouse device 10 to act as a light source to enable a user to viewmaterials in the proximate area. In another arrangement, an illuminatedbottom strip or base region similar to FIG. 4 may be formed by the upperbody 13 in lieu of base member 15.

The transparent or semi-transparent portions of the track-mouse device10 may be a specific color, multi-colored, or clear, so long as thelight from the illumination device 14 is visible when the track-mousedevice 10 is placed on an opaque supporting surface 20. In addition, anycolor combination for the transparent or semi-transparent portions andthe illumination source can be used. The remaining portions of thehousing 12 can be opaque.

It is recognized that the illumination device 14 may be arranged in anysuitable position and manner which would render light emitted by theillumination device 14 visible when the track-mouse device 10 is placedon the supporting surface 20. For example, the illumination device 14may be arranged to be flush with the outer surface of the housing 12.Moreover, the illumination device 14 need not be covered. Theillumination device 14 may be exposed so that light from theillumination device 14 is directly visible. In addition, the entireupper body 13 may be transparent or semi-transparent.

According to the present invention, the track-mouse device includes anillumination device that is visible when the track-mouse is placed on asupporting surface. Light from the illumination device enables a user toquickly and easily locate and orient the track-mouse device whenvisibility is poor due to reduced lighting or no lighting conditions. Inaddition, the illumination from the illumination device may be brightenough to enable a user to view materials in the area proximate to thetrack-mouse device when used in reduced lighting conditions or nolighting conditions. Additionally, illumination from the illuminationdevice of the track-mouse device enables a user to easily determine thatthe computer is ON, even when the computer and track-mouse device are inan area having reduced lighting, or no lighting at all.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a computing environment in which thetrack-mouse device of present invention may be implemented. The presentinvention may be implemented within a general purpose computing devicein the form of a conventional personal computer 200, including aprocessing unit 210, a system memory 220, and a system bus 230 thatcouples various system components including the system memory to theprocessing unit 210. The system bus 230 may be any of several types ofbus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheralbus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. Thesystem memory includes read only memory (ROM) 240 and random accessmemory (RAM) 250.

A basic input/output system 260 (BIOS), containing the basic routinesthat help to transfer information between elements within the personalcomputer 200, such as during start-up, is stored in ROM 240. Thepersonal computer 200 further includes a hard disk drive 270 for readingfrom and writing to a hard disk, not shown, a magnetic disk drive 280for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk 290, and anoptical disk drive 291 for reading from or writing to a removableoptical disk 292 such as a CD ROM or other optical media. The hard diskdrive 270, magnetic disk drive 280, and optical disk drive 291 areconnected to the system bus 230 by a hard disk drive interface 292, amagnetic disk drive interface 293, and an optical disk drive interface294, respectively. The drives and their associated computer-readablemedia provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules and other data for the personalcomputer 200.

Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a hard disk,a removable magnetic disk 290 and a removable optical disk 292, itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types ofcomputer readable media which can store data that is accessible by acomputer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital videodisks, Bernoulli cartridges, random access memories (RAMs), read onlymemories (ROMs), and the like, may also be used in the exemplaryoperating environment.

A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk, magneticdisk 290, optical disk 292, ROM 240 or RAM 250, including an operatingsystem 295, one or more application programs 296, other program modules297, and program data 298. A user may enter commands and informationinto the personal computer 200 through input devices such as a keyboard201 and pointing device. The pointing device is preferably an embodimentof the track-mouse device 10 as previously described. Other inputdevices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad,satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices areoften connected to the processing unit 210 through a serial portinterface 206 that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected byother interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port or a universalserial bus (USB). A monitor 207 or other type of display device is alsoconnected to the system bus 230 via an interface, such as a videoadapter 208. In addition to the monitor, personal computers typicallyinclude other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakersand printers.

The personal computer 200 may operate in a networked environment usinglogical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remotecomputer 209. The remote computer 209 may be another personal computer,a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common networknode, and typically includes many or all of the elements described aboverelative to the personal computer 200, although only a memory storagedevice 211 has been illustrated in FIG. 5. The logical connectionsdepicted in FIG. 5 include a local area network (LAN) 212 and a widearea network (WAN) 213. Such networking environments are commonplace inoffices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the personal computer 200 isconnected to the local network 212 through a network interface oradapter 214. When used in a WAN networking environment, the personalcomputer 200 typically includes a modem 215 or other means forestablishing a communications over the wide area network 213, such asthe Internet. The modem 215, which may be internal or external, isconnected to the system bus 230 via the serial port interface 206. In anetworked environment, program modules depicted relative to the personalcomputer 200, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memorystorage device. It will be appreciated that the network connectionsshown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communicationslink between the computers may be used.

In one arrangement, as shown in FIG. 6, the computer processing unit 310may be coupled to a track-mouse control program 330 to control the“state” or “states” of one or more illumination devices 14 on thetrack-mouse device 10. Such states may include: (1) whether theillumination device 10 is ON or OFF; (2) the degree of illumination(i.e., the light intensity or amount of lumens) of the illuminationdevice 14; (3) the color of the illumination device 14 (if theillumination device 14 is a multi-colored LED or other device permittingchanges in color, and/or (4) the blinking or flashing of theillumination device 14 (and blinking or flashing sequences). Thesestates may be affected by program routines 332, 334, 336, and 338respectively. The control program 330 and its routines 332, 334, 336,and 338 may be separate programs or routines or part of any otherprogram such as a driver for a mouse or a trackball. If more than oneillumination device 14 is used on the track-mouse device 10, the stateor states may be changed separately or simultaneously. If desired, theuser can be given the option of overriding the changing of the states.

States for the illumination device 14 may be controlled by the computer300 in response to an occurrence, a condition, or any other activityrelating to any other program 320-322 being run by the computer 300.While three such programs 320-322 have been shown, it is recognized thatillumination device 14 may be controlled in accordance with any numberof programs. Further, any desirable program or program type may be usedto affect the states of the illumination device 14 on the track-mousedevice 10. Settings and defaults for the states may be controlledthrough any desirable interface. For illumination purposes, power to thetrack-mouse device 10 can be controlled by supplying or not supplyingpower to achieve a normally on or off state, and can be periodicallyswitched off or on, respectively, in response to a particular condition.

This arrangement enables an occurrence, a state, or any other activityrelating to any other program 320-322 being run by the computer 300.This may be advantageous in using a number of programs, for example,programs relating to communication, scheduling, education, or games.

For example, this arrangement may be advantageous for users usingcommunication programs relating to email, voice mail, facsimile, andvarious conferencing techniques. Thus, the illumination device 14 maychange states (including turning on or off, blinking or flashing,changing colors, and/or varying in intensity) in response to the receiptof an email, voice mail, or facsimile message. Further, as most of theseprograms identify the sender of a message, a comparison can be performedto see if the sender of the message is a predetermined user or a userfrom a predetermined list. Based on the results of such a comparison,the illumination device 14 may change states if the message was sentfrom a particular user or a user in a particular group.

Additionally, this arrangement can assist the user by indicatingactivity while he or she is away from the computer. For example, theillumination device 14 may be programmed to blink or flash or otherwisechange states as a function of the number of messages that has beenreceived since the user left the computer (which can be measured fromthe last entered computer input), or as a function of the number ofmessages that has been received and not read or opened. Thus, a user canbe notified that he or she has received two messages in his or herabsence when the illumination device 14 blinks twice in succession. Theblinking may be timed between periods of being fully on or off.

Similarly, many other programs that interact between multiple usersinclude a solicitation feature. Such programs include communicationsoftware for chat rooms, instant messaging, and video and/or audioconference calls. The illumination device 14 on the track-mouse device10 may change one or more states in response to the receipt of asolicitation to join a chat room, instant messaging, or a call.Additionally or alternatively, the illumination device 14 may change oneor more states due to a notification that a user has entered a commonprogram or system and is now capable of receiving a solicitation to joina chat room or call.

Further, alternatively or additionally, the illumination device 14 onthe track-mouse device 10 may change states in response to calendarand/or scheduling programs. The relationship between the changing of oneor more states and an item on the calendar or scheduling program may beset to be either instantaneous to the time or date or may be set toprovide an advance warning of the set time and date. For example, if theuser has a 3:00 p.m. conference to attend, the illumination device canbe set to change states at 3:00 p.m. or prior to 3:00 p.m. Further, theactivation time for the changing of states in response to an item may beset on an item-by-item basis. For example, a user could program theillumination device 14 to change states 24 hours in advance of animportant date.

Further, the illumination device 14 on the track-mouse device 10 mayalso interface with other types of programs to change one or more statesin response to conditions or occurrences in the program to notify usersof almost anything. For example, if the program is an educational,trivia, or child development related game, the illumination device 14can be an encouragement tool to change states in response to the entryof a correct answer. Additionally, if the program is an adventure game,the illumination device 14 may change states when a character enters adangerous area or situation. It may change states when player has runout or is running out of a particular supply (e.g., food, money, orammunition). It may change states in response to being in a givenproximity with a desirable or undesirable object. Another alternative isto make the illumination device 14 blink or flash, with the number ofblinks corresponding to the number of lives remaining.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, it is recognized that various modifications thereof willoccur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of theherein-described invention shall be limited solely by the claimsappended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer input device for a computer,comprising: a housing adapted to rest on a supporting surface, saidhousing having an upper body configured to interface with a human hand,and a generally horizontal base member having an outer periphery; and anillumination device coupled to said housing; wherein light from saidillumination device is visible at said outer periphery of said generallyhorizontal base member when said housing is placed on the supportingsurface; and wherein said upper body comprises a window, which is atleast semi-transparent, through which light from said illuminationdevice is visible.
 2. The computer input device according to claim 1,wherein said illumination device is controlled to illuminate saidcomputer input device when the computer is ON to enable a user todetermine that the computer is ON.
 3. The computer input deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said illumination device is arranged toilluminate a rear portion of said upper body.
 4. The computer inputdevice according to claim 1, wherein the computer input device is amouse.
 5. The computer input device according to claim 1, wherein saidwindow is colored.
 6. The computer input device according to claim 1,wherein said base member is semi-transparent and colored.
 7. Thecomputer input device according to claim 1, wherein said illuminationdevice comprises a light source that emits colored light.
 8. Thecomputer input device according to claim 1, wherein said illuminationdevice emits red light.
 9. The computer input device according to claim1, wherein other than said window, the remainder of said upper body isopaque.
 10. The computer input device according to claim 1, furthercomprising an optical tracking device for controlling a cursor on acomputer screen.
 11. A computer input device for a computer, comprising:a housing adapted to rest on a supporting surface, said housing havingan upper body configured to interface with a human hand, said upper bodycomprising an at least semi-transparent window, said upper body exceptsaid at least semi-transparent window being opaque, wherein said housingincludes a generally horizontal base member having an outer periphery;and an illumination device coupled to said housing; wherein lightilluminated from said illumination device is visible through said windowwhen said housing is placed on the supporting surface; and wherein lightfrom said illumination device radiates from the outer periphery of saidbase member when said computer input device is placed on the supportingsurface.
 12. The computer input device according to claim 11, whereinsaid illumination device is controlled to illuminate said computer inputdevice when the computer is ON to enable a user to determine that thecomputer is ON.
 13. The computer input device according to claim 11,wherein said illumination device is arranged to illuminate a rearportion of said upper body.
 14. The computer input device according toclaim 11, wherein the computer input device is a mouse.
 15. The computerinput device according to claim 11, wherein said window is colored. 16.The computer input device according to claim 11, wherein said basemember is semi-transparent and colored.
 17. The computer input deviceaccording to claim 16, wherein said computer input device is a mouse.18. The computer input device according to claim 11, further comprisingan optical tracking device for controlling a cursor on a computerscreen.
 19. A track-mouse device comprising: a housing arranged to reston a supporting surface, said housing including a generally horizontalbase member and an upper body configured to interface with a human hand,and a window, wherein the base member includes an outer periphery andsaid window having a lower portion disposed adjacent to the base memberand said window extends upwardly from said outer periphery of said basemember; and an illumination device disposed in said housing, whereinlight from said illumination device is visible through said window whensaid housing is placed on the supporting surface.
 20. A computer inputdevice for a computer, comprising: a housing adapted to rest on asupporting surface, said housing having an upper body configured tointerface with a human hand, and a generally horizontal base memberhaving an outer periphery, wherein said base member is semi-transparentand colored; and an illumination device coupled to said housing; whereinlight from said illumination device is visible at said outer peripheryof said generally horizontal base member when said housing is placed onthe supporting surface.
 21. The computer input device according to claim20, wherein said base member includes a window which extends up from itsouter periphery, wherein light from said illumination device is visiblethrough said window.
 22. The computer input device according to claim21, wherein said housing includes at least one input key.
 23. Thecomputer input device according to claim 21, wherein said computer inputdevice is a trackball.
 24. The computer input device according to claim20, wherein other than said window, the remainder of said upper body isopaque.
 25. The computer input device according to claim 20, whereinsaid computer input device is a mouse.
 26. The computer input deviceaccording to claim 20, further comprising an optical tracking device forcontrolling a cursor on a computer screen.
 27. A computer input devicefor a computer, comprising: a housing adapted to rest on a supportingsurface, said housing having an upper body configured to interface witha human hand, and a generally horizontal base member having an outerperiphery; and an illumination device coupled to said housing; whereinlight from said illumination device is visible at said outer peripheryof said generally horizontal base member when said housing is placed onthe supporting surface; and wherein said base member includes a windowwhich extends up from its outer periphery, wherein light from saidillumination device is visible through said window.
 28. The computerinput device according to claim 27, wherein said illumination devicecomprises a light source that emits colored light.
 29. The computerinput device according to claim 27, wherein said illumination deviceemits red light.
 30. The computer input device according to claim 27,wherein other than said window, the remainder of said upper body isopaque.
 31. The computer input device according to claim 30, whereinsaid computer input device is a mouse.
 32. The computer input deviceaccording to claim 30, further comprising an optical tracking device forcontrolling a cursor on a computer screen.